2013 Review: San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls out in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

QB Philip Rivers
69.5 completion percentage, 4478 yards, 32 TD, 11 INT, 105.5 Rating, 30 sacks

With the season over for a few weeks now, Bolt Beat will look back at all the players on the roster and give a little review. We probably won’t touch on everyone, but we will definitely get through a lot of the key players on the roster.

Let’s start the 2013 review series off with El Capitan: Philip Rivers.

Rivers came into the season with a ton of question marks. After a couple of bad seasons with turnover problems and the team failing to reach the playoffs, the finger pointing started to begin. With Norv Turner and A.J. Smith no longer on the roster, there was only one more person to point the finger at. Philip started off the 2013 season with everyone wondering if he could be “fixed.” He responded well.

With the Chargers flipping to a new offensive scheme, Philip Rivers was able to flourish. He was given more power to call plays from the line of scrimmage and the team looked to get the ball out more quickly in 2013.

The year started out rough on the injury front. A few of the key wide receivers on offense went down. Danario Alexander and Malcom Floyd both went down with season ending injuries and Philip had to find a new weapon of choice. He settled in with old faithful Antonio Gates and he found a couple of new weapons in Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead.

With all three of those guys able to get open quickly off the line of scrimmage, Philip was able to post his highest completion percentage of his career. He took what the defense gave him and he marched the ball down the field. His interception count dropped with his better decision making.

Philip was a lot more cool in the pocket in 2013. The offensive line and the offensive scheme allowed him to get the ball off to his receivers quickly and take less hits from the defense. His receivers were able to get open and were able to create after the catch.

Having Philip return to an elite status is a huge reason for the success of the Chargers this season and for next season.

As well as Philip played, there are always things that he can improve. He was still a little over excited in games and it got him in trouble. That excitement is sometimes the part of the game that we love about him, but it is also part of the game that can get him in trouble.

Overall, Philip is a leader on the team and has everyone believing in him. He was able to get the team to the playoffs and found a way to win in the playoffs.

Next season, the expectations will be even higher. The offensive scheme will be very similar to the one he ran this season and the team could take advantage of the no-huddle offense even more. The offensive weapons can only get better around him. Keenan Allen will have another year under his belt. Vincent Brown will have another  year under his belt. Antonio Gates is still Antonio Gates. Ladarius Green could see more playing time. Danny Woodhead still finds little holes to gain yards. Danario Alexander could be healthy and could contribute. Philip should have a ton of options to get the ball out to.

The offense should be able to march the ball down the field and put up a ton of points. Philip Rivers should be a candidate for MVP at the end of next season. Expectations are high.

What are your expectations for Philip Rivers in 2014?